Montreal police confirm use of licence-plate camera in targeted investigation

Montreal police have confirmed the use of a Cloudrunner automated licence-plate recognition camera in a targeted investigative effort. The one-time annual subscription fee for the camera is $205.00 + GST for a year, with automatic renewal at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks. The technology records licence plates and vehicle details as cars pass by, allowing investigators to search the data later.

A spokesperson for Montreal police, Marc-Antoine Bélanger, stated that one camera was removed to safeguard ongoing investigation methods, and more cameras might be added depending on investigation requirements. The location of the camera remains undisclosed for security reasons. Access to images from the camera is restricted to investigators working on the specific case.

The Cloudrunner camera is obtained through a rental agreement and is meant for temporary use in targeted investigations. It is separate from Montreal's existing network of 46 urban security cameras, which are permanently installed throughout the city. Police have continuous access to those 46 cameras, while the Cloudrunner camera is deployed temporarily for specific investigations.